Crochet Baby Blanket: Soft, Simple and Quick (Free Pattern)

The pattern

Gauge

4 clusters and 8 rows = 4 in (10 cm). Gauge is not critical — it only changes the finished size slightly.

The blanket

1. Foundation: Ch 122.
2. Row 1: 3 dc in the 4th ch from the hook. *Skip 3 ch, 3 dc in the next ch.* Repeat from * across to the last 4 ch, skip 3, dc in the last ch. Turn. (29 clusters)
3. Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as a dc). *3 dc in the space between the next two clusters.* Repeat from * across, then dc in the top of the turning chain. Turn. (29 clusters)
4. Rows 3 onward: Repeat Row 2 until the blanket measures 36 in (91 cm) — about 72 rows.

Every row after the first is identical: clusters go into the gaps between the clusters of the row below. Once you've done three rows you won't need to look at the pattern again.

Border

A simple border tidies the slightly uneven side edges that clusters always create.

1. Rnd 1: Sc evenly all around the blanket, working 3 sc into each corner. Along the sides, work about 2 sc into the side of each row. Join with a sl st.
2. Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in each st around with 3 sc in each corner. Join.
3. Rnd 3 (optional shell edge): *Skip 1 st, 5 dc in the next st, skip 1 st, sl st in the next st.* Repeat around. Fasten off.

Colour ideas

• Stripes: change colour every four rows. Carry the yarn up the side rather than cutting it.
• Ombré: four shades of one colour, eight rows each, light to dark.
• Neutral with one pop: cream throughout with a single band of colour a third of the way up.
• Matching set: add our baby booties in the same yarn.

Common questions

What size should a baby blanket be?

30 × 36 in (76 × 91 cm) for a pram or stroller, 36 × 45 in for a crib, and about 14 in square for a lovey. Pram size is the most useful gift.

How much yarn does a baby blanket need?

About 900 yd (825 m) of DK for the pram size. Buy it all in one dye lot — a colour change halfway up a blanket is very visible.

Is this stitch safe for a baby — are the holes too big?

Granny stripe gaps are small and even, and babies' fingers don't catch the way they can in a very open lacy pattern. For a newborn who will be left under it unsupervised, a solid stitch such as half double crochet is the more cautious choice.

How long does it take?

10–14 hours for the pram size — a relaxed weekend, or a couple of weeks of evenings.

Why are my edges wavy?

The side edges of cluster stitches are naturally a little uneven; the two rounds of single crochet border pull them straight. Don't skip the border.

The most-used present you'll ever give. Tell us what colours you chose. 🍼